Ravens: Cody hurts knee, may miss season The News
Linebacker Dan Cody, the Ravens' second-round pick, sprained his right ACL during Monday's practice and may miss the entire season. The Ravens intend to re-evaluate Cody once the swelling in his knee has gone down, but the Baltimore Sun reports that privately the team has resigned themselves to losing him for the year.
Our View
Cody was expected to fill the pass-rushing role previously held by Peter Boulware. Roderick Green, a fifth-round pick last year, is expected to take Cody's place in the defensive rotation.
Broncos: Alexander has edge over Putzier The News
The Denver Post is reporting that veteran tight end Stephen Alexander has an edge over fourth-year tight end Jeb Putzier in the battle for a starting spot. Alexander signed a three-year deal this offseason worth $4.2 million and has reportedly demonstrated a more complete skills set in training camp. Putzier, best known for his receiving, also received a new contract which will pay him $12.5 million over five years.
Our View
We're slightly skeptical of this report, if only because the Broncos thought enough of Putzier to match the expensive offer sheet he received from the Jets. In any case, it's only a matter of time before Alexander sustains an injury, leaving the Broncos' constant bootlegs to Jeb. We'll keep you posted on the evolving position battle.

Raiders: Turner praises Jordan The News
Raiders head coach Norv Turner likes what he sees so far from new starting running back LaMont Jordan. "He's been outstanding," Turner told the Oakland Tribune. "He's a big, big back. He's got outstanding vision. Everybody talks about speed, but more important is the vision, the ability to see that cut and make it."
Our View
Turner has some experience with big bruising backs?Eric Dickerson, Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Ricky Williams come to mind?but high praise is typical of training camp. Jordan has a chance to pile up numbers if the Raiders offense plays to its potential, and we'll be looking for those signs in the preseason.
Eagles: Westbrook talks stopped The News
The Eagles and agent Fletcher Smith, who represents running back Brian Westbrook, have reportedly halted contract talks, a team source told the Philadelphia Inquirer. The source further explained that they do not know if or when discussion would resume. Smith told the paper on Sunday night that the sides were remained far apart but were working "diligently to get something done." Westbrook failed to show up to training camp on Monday night.
Our View
The Eagles have reportedly offered Westbrook something close to the deal that LaMont Jordan inked with the Raiders (five years, $27.55 million with a $7 million signing bonus), and it's not a good sign with Smith says that they are still far apart. We'll continue to monitor the holdout situation and hopefully get some more concrete comments from Westbrook, Smith, or the team over the coming days.

Vikings: Fox has broken arm The News
Dustin Fox, a Vikings third round draft pick, has a fractured radius bone in his left arm and is expected to be sidelined four-to-six weeks, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Ohio State safety sustained the injury on Sunday; he is expected to serve on special teams and provide depth in the secondary.
Our View
Fox suffered a similar injury last year with the Buckeyes, so the trend has to be a little worrisome to Vikings officials. That said, he should be ready to play right around the time the regular season starts.

Browns: Edwards working out in New Orleans The News
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards, the third overall pick in the 2005 draft, is unsatisfied with the Browns' latest contract offer and is flying to New Orleans to train with his father. "The Browns have increased the amount of guaranteed money, but it's not what Braylon and his agent were looking for," former NFL back Stan Edwards told the Cleveland Plain Dealer regarding his son's status. "It didn't look like it was going to get done anytime soon, so we decided to fly him down here."
Our View
The Edwards clan is in New Orleans to attend the AAU Junior Olympics Track and Field Nationals, and Stan said Brandon would work out with him and even put him in pads to give him a taste of what training camp would be like. Meanwhile, Edwards' chances of moving into the starting lineup for opening day diminish with each passing day of his holdout. And by the way, do the Browns lead the league in players who let their dad do their talking for them?

Andrew Mason, of DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos P Todd Sauerbrun was crushing kicks during the team's morning practice session Tuesday, Aug. 2. For the session, Sauerbrun averaged 59.9 yards on seven punts, never had one shorter than 52 yards and also drilled a 64- and 77-yarder. "The fans here are getting spoiled," S John Lynch said. "He hits a 60-yarder and it's 'Ho-hum.' It's not until the 70-yarder that everybody ooohs."

And by the way, do the Browns lead the league in players who let their dad do their talking for them?

That is a funny line!

Oopps! I gotta run... Barry Sanders dad is on the radio.

August 3rd, 2005, 2:21 pm

conversion02

RIP Killer

Joined: January 26th, 2005, 9:34 pmPosts: 10773Location: Sycamore, IL

Eagles | Pinkston Carted Off FieldFri, 5 Aug 2005 10:03:15 -0700

Andy Schwartz, of Comcast SportsNet, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Todd Pinkston (Achilles') was carted off the field Friday, Aug. 5, with an injured Achilles' tendon. The severity of the injury is not yet determined and he will undergo an MRI.

Eagles | Buckhalter Limps Off FieldFri, 5 Aug 2005 10:02:38 -0700

Andy Schwartz, of Comcast SportsNet, reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) limped off the field with a knee injury Friday, Aug. 5. The severity of the injury is not yet determined, but Buckhalter said it is not anything serious and he is all right.

The Star-Telegram reports Dallas Cowboys FB Darian Barnes (ankle) severely sprained his ankle in practice Wednesday, August 3, but it has not caused him to miss any practice time. Not only is he fighting for the starting fullback job with FB Lousaka Polite and converted tailback Erik Bickerstaff, but he's fighting for a spot on the roster.
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Not that Barnes has fantasy value, but damn. I've had 3rd and 2nd degree sprains and there's no way I could have mowed people over like that - I could barely walk.
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Vikings | Williams to Miss Some TimeFri, 5 Aug 2005 06:11:27 -0700

The Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Vikings CB Brian Williams will not return to training camp until Sunday, August 7, because he has a family matter to deal with.
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At that rate, he can only HOPE to compete for the nickle role. And to think he was complaining about his contract and wanted hold out. Pshh, family matter or not, he's costing himself playing time.
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Bills | Good Night for ParrishFri, 5 Aug 2005 05:58:20 -0700

Leo Roth, of the Democrat-Chronicle, reports Buffalo Bills rookie WR Roscoe Parrish made several nice catches during the team's scrimmage with the Green Bay Packers Thursday evening, August 4. He is quietly proving that beating press coverage at the line in the NFL won't be a problem, not with his cat-like first step. "I've always had that growing up as a kid, you can see I'm a small guy and they'd say I couldn't beat the jam," Parrish said. "I just keep working hard and doing what I have to, to be successful. As a wide receiver, it doesn't matter if you play inside or outside, it's important to work every position because you never know when a guy will go down and you'll have to fill that spot."
Seahawks | Tobeck and Holmgren Exchange WordsFri, 5 Aug 2005 06:03:09 -0700

Scott M. Johnson, of the Herald, reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren and OC Robbie Tobeck had a brief run-in Thursday afternoon, August 4, leading the coach to play rookie OC Chris Spencer with the first team offense. After Holmgren yelled at the offense for missing a blocking assignment, Tobeck defended one of his teammates. "Don't argue with me," Holmgren said, and replaced Tobeck with Spencer for the remainder of practice.